We have had some rain and the ground cover has thrived and it is time to cut it back. There are also signs of very early budding, but only in the warmest areas. The ground cover will continue to grow but with the prospects of budding, maintaining a low cover crop helps reduce the threat of frost damage.

High vegetation impedes the flow of air and allows the coldest air to settle in the vineyard rather than moving on. We plan on installing some horizontal fans in the lowest areas of the vineyard to encourage this flow of air. The frost season from February to the end of April is white knuckle time for most vineyards.